Navy assists returning Sri Lankan Fishermen

Sri Lanka Navy brought in two Sri Lankan fishermen released from Indian custody yesterday (25 January 2010). The fishermen were released after the speedy steps taken by Sri Lanka government towards their early release.

The two fishermen had left from Sirithoppu in Mannar on 09 November 2009 to fish in the Palk Strait. Subsequently they had been arrested by Indian authorities allegedly for poaching in Indian waters and taken to India.

The two fishermen and their fishing boat were handed over to Sri Lanka Navy officials by Indian Coast Guard Vessel ‘Rani Jindan’ at the Indo-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line close to Katchativu yesterday (25 January 2010). SLNS Weeraya brought in the two fishermen and their boat to the Thalaimannar Naval Base. After looking into their welfare they were handed over to the Thalaimannar police for formalities.